THE SNOW BALL

THE SNOW BALLJanuary is my least favorite month. Christmas is over. Days are short. College football’s regular season is finished. There is little to do in the gardens. Perhaps for other reasons, many people put January in the cellar too.However, for one evening in January 2019, the dreariness of the month will be pushed aside for a unique event that will be refreshing, greatly assist children in our community, and illuminate the dark sky with lights and entertainment. The West Georgia Autism Foundation’s First Annual “Snow Ball”* will be held at the beautiful Oak Lawn on Rome St. in historic Carrollton on January 12th, 2019. Guests in cocktail attire will be transported to a winter wonderland of fun and fundraising.Over the past 18 months, our community has become collectively aware of the once hidden issue of autism and its impact on our state. Local corporations, small businesses, individuals, law enforcement, and other foundations have fully supported the WGAF (serving Carroll, Coweta, Troup, Douglas, Haralson, Paulding, Cobb, and other counties) during this period and have made the Foundation the leader in (1) promoting autism awareness and (2) educating the community about autism related issues.Now is the time to ignite the third function of the Foundation; providing financial support to qualifying families who cannot aﬀord to provide treatment, counseling, or other critical services for their children with autism.According to the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, this year, more children will be diagnosed with autism than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls born in Georgia will be affected by autism. These staggering numbers aﬀect everyone. Many children with autism will grow up and be dependent on other people and the government. However, some children, who would otherwise be dependent, can become more or fully self-sufficient if they obtain treatment at a young age. Unfortunately, a large number of families in west Georgia do not have the financial resources to help their autistic children. The 2019 Snow Ball will mark the day when that number begins its annual decline.Upon arrival, you will be met with live music by Jerry Rogers, food, cocktails, and more. A silent auction will last throughout the evening. After dinner, the famous amateur auctioneer, Cade Parian, will entertain and conduct the live auction. In addition to Cade, nationally known author, speaker, and autism warrior, Michael Goodroe, will provide words of hope and courage. His book "What Autism Gave Me: A Devastating Diagnosis To A Triumphant Life" has inspired countless people across the country and world. Lastly, a brave 12-year-old boy with autism will give his first public speech. He is already working on it, though he will not allow his nosy father to see his notes.The WGAF is grateful that to have already received funds and commitments from many in the community for the Snow Ball. However, there are several sponsor spots, tables, and individual tickets yet to be purchased. Here are the ways you can help:(All sponsor tables will have seating for eight, unlimited adult beverages/other drinks. Everyone attending will receive a tee shirt with the event and sponsor logos).1. Title Sponsorship with Full Table – Includes a full-page ad in the program, and a large logo on our website and social media for one year, and more. - $5,000 2. Puzzle Sponsorship with Full Table – Half page ad, medium logo and more. - $4,000 3. Blue Sponsorship with Full Table – Quarter page ad, small logo, and more. - $3,000 4. Diamond Sponsorship with Full Table - $2,000 Full Table (eight seats) $800 - Half Table (four seats) $400 - Single Table Seat $100 You can also select the option of "in honor of someone on the Autism Spectrum” - perfect if you and friends want to get together to purchase a table in that person's honor. Contributors - Anyone who cannot attend, but would like to contribute, can go to www.wgaautism.org or contact Dr. Harry Nelson by phone - (678) 357-0541 or email - harry.nelson.wgaf@gmail.com.Thank you for supporting the WGAF and we look forward to seeing you in January.

The American Society of Legal Advocates, ASLA, is an invitation-only, nationwide organization of elite lawyers in practice today. ASLA draws its membership from lawyers who combine stellar legal credentials with a proven commitment to community engagement and the highest professional standards. The selection process is a culmination of a six month process in which ASLA independently researches information on tens of thousands of lawyers in filling each Top 100 category and ultimately selects lessthan 2 percent overall. There are no self nominations allowed in the process.

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I thank the people of Carroll County, my family, friends, and clients for their trust, loyalty, and confidence they have placed with my firm over the past decade. You have given me a great honor by choosing my firm as the “Best Law Firm” in Carroll County for 2014 & 2016. I am also grateful that God directed me into a profession where I can truly say that I look forward to going to work every day. Because of this love and devotion to my practice, I have committed to striving to provide the best criminal defense services to the people of west Georgia for many years to come.Jason W. Swindle Sr. – Swindle Law Group, P.C.